People who want to work in tree care are invited to a hands-on course offered by the Economic Development Council of San Juan County.

The course will be taught by Carson Sprenger and Jon Stoller of Rain Shadow Consulting at their Orcas Island facilities.

Carson Sprenger and Jon Stoller have over 30 years of combined experience working in forestry and tree care. The hands-on curriculum has been designed for jobseekers and career changers interested in working in tree care/tree service, forestry, or landscaping. These jobs remain in high demand in our rural communities.

The course will prepare students for an entry level arborist position and is not intended for D.I.Y. home repairs. The class will cover safety, tools of the trades, knots and rigging, chainsaw sharpening and repair, pruning fundamentals, forest ecology of the San Juans, tree climbing systems and rope care, role of the grounds person, tree felling theory, and basic chipper and stump grinding operations. Students will not use chainsaws or fell trees in this class.

Details: Classes will be held Fridays January 19 & 26, and February 2, 2024, from Noon to 4pm. A registration fee of $50.00 is required.

Deadline: Apply before January 10, 2024. Space is limited. Applicants must be 18 years old or older and residents of San Juan County.

To apply, please visit the EDC’s website at www.sanjuansedc.org/trades.

For more information, email the EDC Trades Coordinator at marti@sanjuansedc.org.